Page 9 of Gifted Thief
He took in a deep breath. ‘Under normal circumstances, of course that’s what I would do.’
Lexie stared at him. ‘Normal circumstances? How often does this happen? We’ve worked for you for more than five years.’ She turned to me. ‘Why didn’t you tell us this was a problem?’
Because until now it hadn’t been any of her damned business. I didn’t take my eyes off my old mentor as I framed my answer. ‘Because it never really has been before,’ I said, keeping my tone level and calm. ‘There have been a few times when things got a bit hairy but we always sorted it before we reached total disaster. What’s different this time? What’s happened, Taylor?’
He shifted his weight, a shadow crossing his face. ‘Someone else has bought the loan.’
I cocked my head. ‘People can do that?’
‘Yeah,’ he muttered.
‘Why would someone bother?’
His mouth flattened into a grim line. ‘To make a quick buck.’
I drew in a breath. ‘So talk to whoever bought it. Do a deal with them.’
‘I tried,’ he said helplessly. ‘They won’t talk to me. They’re demanding immediate repayment.’
Begging the question of why. I tightened my jaw. ‘Stall them.’
‘I did. I don’t think they’re prepared to wait any longer. I had a buyer lined up for the Lia Saifire and I thought that would solve all our problems but…’
‘All our problems?’ Lexie asked, incredulous. ‘Ourproblems?’
Taylor gazed helplessly at me. I shook my head. Lexie did have a point. I sighed and raised my eyes heavenward. ‘Tell me who they are and I’ll talk to them.’ I’d done it before. I could do it again.
Taylor’s response was heavy. ‘I don’t know who they are. We only communicate through a courier.’
My eyebrows flew up. I’d not heard of that one before. ‘That’s rather old-fashioned, isn’t it?’
‘I figured they didn’t want to leave a digital footprint. You should see the delivery guy though. He’s a brute. At least seven foot tall and almost the same distance wide again. He has a massive scar from his eyebrow to his mouth. No visible Clan markings.’ Taylor shivered. ‘He’s dangerous. And he’s just the errand boy.’ He flicked me a look. ‘Wild Man, of course.’
Of course. I passed a hand over my eyes. I’d bailed out Taylor many times in the past so my own savings weren’t as substantial as they should have been, given my career. They’d be enough to tide him over, though. ‘I have about a hundred and twenty thousand. That’ll cover your loan and leave some left over to give to Speck, Brochan and Lexie.’ I glanced at them all. ‘If you can wait for the rest, I’d appreciate it.’
Brochan shook his head. ‘Nuhuh. No way are you paying for us. I’ve got money. I can wait.’
Speck’s hand shot up in the air as if he were still a pupil at school. ‘I can wait too. It’s not like I ever really spend much money anyway.’
They both looked at Lexie. She pouted, her expression stubborn, but it took her less than five seconds to crack. ‘Fine! I’ll wait. Jeez.’
The relief on Taylor’s face was palpable. ‘I’ll make it up to you, I promise.’
I nodded. ‘I know you will.’ I meant it too. He always put things right ? sooner or later.
He beamed at us. ‘I think I have a new lead on the Lia Saifire. What we need is…’
‘Whoa.’ I put up my palms. ‘This was my last job. I’m out, remember?’
Taylor winced. ‘But you didn’t get the gem.’
I was sympathetic but adamant. ‘Not my fault. I’ll help you out with the money but I’m done. I’m due in Oban in five days’ time. I can’t start planning a new heist.’
‘Tegs, I need you.’
I met his eyes. ‘I’m sorry but Lexie, Speck and Brochan are capable enough and you have others you can contact if you need a fourth. I made my decision and I’m not backing down.’
He gave a pleading look that stabbed at my heart but, when it was clear he could look at me like that all day long and I still wasn’t going to break, he nodded imperceptibly and sighed. ‘I understand.’
